Today, we pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to the field of marine science - National Scientist Edgardo D. Gomez.
A Life Dedicated to Science
Born on November 7, 1938, Edgardo Dizon Gomez, also known as Ed Gomez, was a Filipino biologist who was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014. He was a professor emeritus for marine biology at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.
Gomez obtained his bachelor’s degree in education, major in English and Social Science (summa cum laude) from De La Salle University. He then pursued his master’s degree in Biology as a Fulbright Travel Grantee from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He furthered his studies and earned his Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology from the University of California, San Diego.
Pioneering Work in Marine Science
Gomez was the founding director of the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines Diliman upon his return in 1973 after his doctorate studies. He saw the need to protect the Philippine archipelago’s vast marine resources, particularly that of coral reefs. He led the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs leading to international conservation initiatives such as the replanting of corals.
He also pioneered giant clam (Tridacna gigas) breeding stationed in Bolinao and other protective areas for coastal communities of the Philippines. Additionally, he took part in creating the baseline map of the Philippines, and provided information to the Philippine government during talks over the territorial disputes in the Spratly Islands. In 2007, he pioneered the study on ocean acidification caused by increased levels of absorbed carbon dioxide in the ocean.
A Legacy of Honors and Awards
Gomez was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014 by Benigno Aquino III, the President of the Philippines. This award, which comes with a lifetime pension, has been bestowed upon over thirty leading scientists. The confirmation ceremony took place at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace where Gomez was awarded for his research and conservation efforts in invertebrate biology and ecology on 12 August 2014.
His other notable awards include the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee in 2000, Academician by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in 1993, The Outstanding Filipinos (TOFIL) Award for Science (Marine Biology) in 1992, and Laureate in the United Nations’ Environmental Programme’s (UNEP) Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1989.
In Memoriam
National Scientist Edgardo D. Gomez passed away on December 1, 2019, at the age of 81. His life and work have left an indelible mark on the field of marine science. His pioneering work on coral reefs and reef rehabilitation continues to inspire scientists and conservationists around the world.
In conclusion, the life and work of National Scientist Edgardo D. Gomez serve as a beacon for future generations of scientists. His dedication to marine science and conservation has left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence and inspire for years to come.